Worms

Worms are very common issues in puppies and are very easy to diagnose and treat. There are four main types of worms: tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm. Note that worms can infect dogs at any age! They are not limited to puppies!

Tapeworm

Tapeworms are a small intestinal parasite that are segmented but usually 6 inches long or more in total. They absorb nutrients through their skin as food in the process of digestion flows past.

Symptoms of Tapeworm

Tapeworm segments containing eggs are shed in the dog's feces. These segments are flat and move around shortly after excretion. They look like grains of rice when dried and can be found either in the dog's stool or the in fur around its anus.

Image courtesy of Abbeyville Veterinary Hospital.

Are Tapeworms Contagious?

They are transmitted when an infected host is consumed, such as a flea, or when tapeworm eggs are ingested from the feces of another animal.

How Do You Treat Tapeworm?

They are most effectively treated by prescription drugs from your veterinarian.

How Are Tapeworms Diagnosed?

A vet will examine the feces or vomit for the presence of worms.

How Can I Prevent Tapeworm?

Keep the puppy's area clean, de-worm your puppy regularly, and take measures to prevent fleas as they can be infected with the parasite.

Roundworm

Roundworms are the most common internal parasite found in dogs, especially young puppies. Roundworm eggs are swallowed, after which they hatch in the dog's stomach. These larvae attack the stomach wall and are carried to the liver and lungs via blood, where they are coughed up and swallowed again. They will eventually find their way to the small intestine where they spend their adulthood. An adult roundworm can produce more than 100,000 eggs per day.

Symptoms of Roundworm

Roundworms cause the puppy to have a pot-bellied appearance. The puppy may begin growing slower, have a poor coat, and exhibit vomiting and diarrhea. Worms may be seen in their vomit or stool.

Are Roundworms Contagious?

These worms can be passed to other animals or even humans. They are passed via contaminated feces, which can be found in parks, playgrounds, etc. Adults handling an infected dog should wash their hands thoroughly to eliminate the risk of contracting this parasite.

How Do You Treat Roundworm?

A number of de-worming products can be used against roundworms, such as Pyrantel pamoate (Heartguard Plus), Fenbendazole (Panacur), Milbemycin Oxime (Interceptor & Sentinel) and more. A vet will prescribe the best product for your dog.

How Are Roundworms Diagnosed?

As with most worms, they can be found in the feces or vomit.

How Can I Prevent Roundworm?

Ensure the puppy's area is clean and de-worm regularly.

Hookworm

Hookworms are thin worms that suck blood from the wall of the small intestine.

Symptoms of Hookworm

Diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and weakness.

Are Hookworms Contagious?

Contaminated feces can transmit hookworm, and unborn pups can be exposed to the worm through their mother.Humans can also be exposed to hookworm by contact with contaminated feces and eating improperly washed vegetables that may have been grown in contaminated soil.

How Do You Treat Hookworm?

Consult your vet for the best de-worming medication. HeartGuard and Interceptor are usually prescribed.

How Are Hookworms Diagnosed?

A vet will use a microscope to examine the dog's feces for eggs.

How Can I Prevent Hookworm?

Ensure the puppy's area is clean and de-worm regularly.

Whipworm

Whipworms are parasites that look like pieces of thread with one end enlarged. They suck blood from the large intestine.

Symptoms of Whipworm

When in small numbers, there may not be any symptoms. However as the infection grows, they will cause diarrhea, weight loss, blood loss, and anemia.

Are Whipworms Contagious?

Whipworms can be transmitted to other dogs or humans through the ingestion of water or soil contaminated by an infected animal's feces.

How Do You Treat Whipworm?

They are usually treated with Panacur or Drontal Plus. Consult your vet for the best treatment.

How Are Whipworms Diagnosed?

A vet will need to examine the dog's feces. Note that several checks may be necessary to identify whipworm.

How Can I Prevent Whipworm?

Ensure the puppy's area is clean and de-worm regularly.

Disclaimer: We have compiled this information from our vet and information gathered online.We are not veterinarians and only provide this information to help our customers with their puppies.If you believe your puppy is ill, seek professional treatment right away.